Sculpture Project
In 2005, the New Bern Board of Aldermen accepted Dr. Jim Congleton's request to contribute a sculpture to the City for its 300th anniversary. He commissioned Susan Pascal Beran, a well-known California artist to design and construct a 20 foot tall kinetic sculpture reminiscent of New Bern's prized spider lily flower (Lycoris Radiata) brought to New Bern from Japan in the mid-1800's by Captain William Roberts.
He asked Swiss Bear to facilitate this project and assist in development of an appropriate site. Initially, the plan was to develop the strip of City land at the end of Broad Street into a public space to showcase the sculpture as a key component of the 1.5 mile Riverwalk which links to downtown parks and attractions and serves as a catalyst for attracting visitors and private investment.
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Proposed infrastructure improvements on the site for the City's sewer system and other complications led to the decision to relocate the proposed sculpture to the Riverwalk along the Trent River shoreline, behind the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center.
To enhance the sculpture's six sided concrete base, Swiss Bear conducted a fundraising campaign to cap and face the base with granite panels engraved with contributor's names. The public was invited to "Put It In Stone" and become a permanent part of New Bern's history by having their family or friends names engraved on the panels and to landscape the adjacent small circular open space.
Thanks to Dr. Jim Congleton's generosity, the sculpture was officially dedicated to the City on December 12, 2011. It is an attraction that graces the Riverwalk and is enjoyed by visitors and residents alike.
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Current Projects